Digital Transformation vs. Digitalization
There is no denying that the business world has evolved. We are all actively involved in and experiencing the change in processes. When we enter a store and are given a handwritten receipt, we are immediately taken back maybe ten years. We are accustomed to receiving computer-generated receipts. The widespread acceptance of digital operations has been facilitated by these insignificant adjustments that we often overlook. A few minor and a few significant adoptions.
On the consumer side, we are quickly becoming accustomed to these digital habits, but for businesses to adapt to new digital trends, it requires more than simply switching from a handwritten receipt to a computer-generated one. There is a significant digital disruption while moving to digital processes. There are several processes involved in getting it right, including employee training, purchasing modern technology, and allowing time for trial and error. Let us examine what distinguishes a business that has undergone a full digital transformation from one that has merely adopted the digitalization of its operations.
Digital Transformation and Digitalization: How are they different?
These two words are frequently used interchangeably. These are two distinct ideas. Digitalization would include switching from an accounting book to an excel sheet in the most basic sense. By doing this, you are moving closer to digital transformation without altering the foundation of your company.
Though they are frequently used indiscriminately by corporate leaders, digitalization and digital transformation are fundamentally different concepts. Cultural change and a much wider acceptance of digital technology are required for digital transformation. More than digital technology, people are at the center of digital transformation. It calls for radical challenges to corporate culture, leadership-backed organizational reforms that are focused on the customer, the use of technology that enables and empowers focused on the customer, the use of technology that enables and empowers workers, and customer-centric organizational changes workers, and organizational changes that are customer centric.
Business executives who believe they can digitize a company or sufficiently digitalize processes to undergo a digital transformation are misinterpreting the terms and losing out on possibilities to grow, gain a competitive edge, satisfy customer and employee demands, and become agile companies. The truth is that few organizations have successfully transformed their operations to the digital era. According to global research, only 25% of enterprises had made the transition to becoming digital businesses, 41% were in the process, and 34% spent more time discussing the trend than implementing it. Notably, 85% of CEOs agreed that achieving digital maturity is essential for corporate success.
Digital Transformation: Why and How?
The massive shift in an organization’s technology use culture, mindset, and practices is known as digital transformation. The ultimate objective is to raise productivity and performance to maintain competitiveness in a market that is evolving quickly and becoming more digital. The phrase “major shift in the culture” is an important term in the definition. This assumes a change in how people use technology, which is required for transformation to take place.
Processes will evolve, jobs will alter, and fundamental duties can become unnecessary. This is advantageous because it will increase corporate productivity. However, it can also be detrimental if the digital transformation strategy does not support corporate objectives.
Following these suggestions is the best method for any business to create a workable digital transformation strategy.
- Concentrate on the result rather than the execution
- Take advantage of the technological solution that best addresses your operating demands.
- Do not be afraid of mistakes and risks
- There is no use in testing the waters; just go all in
- Be adaptable to new procedures and modifications
- Get constant feedback from your employees
The term “digital transformation” refers to a meaningful change in how you do business. The way individuals use technology is what is important, not the technology itself. It will fail if you approach it like the people and culture are independent. Instead of seeing it as a disruption, you should consider it a necessary shift that affects people, processes, and policies. In most cases, it is a very disruptive action. But with the correct approach, it might be just what you need to advance your company.
Your company’s digital transition can be aided by PeopleTech. To assist startups and SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) in becoming tech-mature, we have a diverse network of software engineers, developers, and other subject matter experts.